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Boston Harbor Cruises Description

If your family only has time to do one thing in Boston, you should go on a whale watch. A high-speed catamaran skims you across the water for about an hour until you come upon these enormous marine animals. As you do, a naturalist explains their behavior and natural history. Everyone in your family will enjoy the fresh air, the view of Boston Harbor, a day out on the water and the majestic whales.

Kid Tips

Babies: It's warm and cozy inside the boat, and there are long benches to sit on. Strollers are fine too, so bring your baby!

Toddlers & Pre-K: They'll be absolutely fascinated when they see the whales spouting.

School-Age Kids: "This is the best thing I've ever done!" shouted one 8-year-old who was sorry when the whale watch ended. School-aged kids will love seeing the whales and will also learn from the naturalists on board.

Planning Notes

The trip lasts three hours. Sometimes more, depending on how hard it is to find the whales, but the time will go by very quickly. If you see no whales -- which is possible, of course -- Boston Harbor Cruises will give you tickets for another ride.

Dress warmly. Wear comfortable shoes for the boat, dress in layers, and bring a jacket or a blanket for the kids; no matter how hot it is on shore it will be cool and windy on the water.

Get a good seat. The best viewing is from the top of the boat, but there's no place to sit up there. Get on early and snag a good seat outside on the boat's second level.

Bring lunch. You can buy food on the lower level of the boat -- things like hot dogs and pretzels -- but bring some healthy, heartier food for your kids. All that fresh air works up an appetite.

Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park anyone? The whale watches leave from right outside the New England Aquarium. Going to both in one day may be too much for your kids, but a jaunt in Christopher Columbus Park is just the right speed after a whale watch.

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